Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Dawn.
Hi Kayla, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to beauty, not just in the visual sense, but in how it makes people feel. From a young age, I found myself fascinated with my very own hair stylist from when I was in high school. The way a fresh haircut or a little color could completely shift my confidence and energy stood out to me. (And of course all her cool tattoos!) So, it was a natural path for me to enter the hair industry, and I’ve never looked back.
After gaining experience in salons and learning from other stylists, I realized that what I really craved and what my clients responded to most was a more intimate, personalized environment. I wanted to create a space where people could feel completely at ease, where conversations flowed as freely as creativity. So in 2022, I took the leap and opened Kayla Dawn Hair — a private studio where I offer lived-in color, precision haircuts, hand-tied extensions, and Brazilian Blowouts.
The past two years have been full of growth and lessons. I’ve built a strong and loyal clientele, navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and just this past month, moved my business to a beautiful new location on South Congress. It feels like such a full-circle moment for me. One that reminds me that when you stay aligned with your purpose, the right opportunities open up.
Every step of this journey has been about following my intuition, refining my craft, and holding space for others to feel seen, heard, and beautiful. And I’m just getting started!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not always smooth, but every challenge has helped shape me into a stronger business owner and person.
One of the biggest struggles has been finding balance. When you’re running your own business, it’s easy to give everything to your clients and leave very little for yourself. I’ve had to learn (and re-learn!) how to prioritize rest, set boundaries, and create space for my personal life to thrive, too.
Another ongoing challenge is staying current in an ever-evolving industry. Hair trends, techniques, and products are always changing, and it takes consistent education and investment to stay on top of it all. But that’s also one of the parts I love! There’s always more to learn, and I’m passionate about growing both creatively and professionally.
Starting and sustaining a business, especially during unpredictable times, is no small feat. But each obstacle has brought me closer to the kind of business I want to build: one rooted in intention, authenticity, and connection.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a hairstylist, but more than that, I create personalized, one-on-one experiences for women who want to feel effortlessly beautiful and truly cared for. I specialize in lived-in dimensional hair color, hand-tied extensions, women’s cuts, and Brazilian Blowouts. All with a focus on enhancing natural beauty and simplifying day-to-day styling.
I work out of a private studio, which creates an intimate and intentional space where clients can relax, open up, and fully be themselves. There’s no hustle or chaos. Just connection, calm, and creativity. It’s a sacred 2-3 hours where we get to slow down and pour into beauty in a way that feels nourishing, not just superficial.
I think what I’m most known for is the way I make people feel. Yes, I love delivering beautiful hair, but more than that, I want my clients to walk away feeling seen, heard, and radiant from the inside out. That emotional connection is what fuels everything I do!
I’m most proud of the community I’ve built over the last 7 years. The trust, the loyalty, and the genuine relationships that have grown from my chair. That’s what sets my work apart. It’s not just about hair, it’s about creating a space where people can soften, recharge, and feel beautiful in every sense of the word.
How do you think about happiness?
Human connection makes me happy. Deep conversations, shared laughter, and those quiet, meaningful moments where someone feels fully seen… that lights me up!
In my work, I get to create that kind of connection every day. I love the transformation that happens in my chair, not just in the hair, but in the energy. When someone walks in a little tired or unsure and leaves feeling beautiful, grounded, and more like themselves… that’s everything to me!
Outside of work, I find happiness in slow, peaceful moments. Being in nature, spending time with people I love, expressing myself creatively, or even just taking care of my home. I think joy lives in the little things when we slow down enough to feel them.
Ultimately, I think happiness comes from being in alignment with yourself, with your purpose, and with the kind of life you’re trying to build. That’s what I’m always chasing, alignment and authenticity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kayladawnhair.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: @Kayla.dawn.hair
